Stumbling across an insta-worthy setting in Honolulu is not difficult, given the assortment of hikes with amazing viewpoints, numerous breathtaking beaches, and extremely photogenic smoothie bowls. In the last few years, tourism has soared in Oahu, and Honolulu was basically made to be documented on your Instagram feed. There are a few necessary pit stops to gather a collection of iconic photographs that fully capture the paradise that is Oahu.
1. Angel Wings
Location: Anahulu’s Shaved Ice
The North Shore of Oahu has a completely different vibe from Waikiki. It’s home to the Dole Plantation, great surfing spots and ample food trucks, making it well worth the trek across the island. Although the scenery is quite nice, the Angel Wings outside of Anahula’s Shaved Ice is a must have photo op. For all the lifestyle instagrammers out there, these angel wings are what display pictures are made of!
Insider’s tip: When you purchase something at the clothing store next to Anahulu’s, Tropical Rush Surf Co, they’ll give you a coupon for a complimentary shaved ice next door!
2. Kakaʻako neighbourhood
Location: Ala Moana Boulevard & Kapiʻolani Boulevard
Kaka’ako is an up and coming hipster neighbourhood filled with boutique shops, juice bars, and local coffee shops. It is also home to some amazing one-of-a-kind murals with almost every building hosting a floor-to-ceiling display of art. There’s bound to be a display that will compliment your feed or the aesthetic of your page.
3. Sunrise Shack
Location: 59-158 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa
Hawaii is known for their poke and acai bowls—both of which are made from fresh ingredients found on the Island. Although finding an acai bowl is as challenging as finding a coffee shop in most large cities, the Sunrise Shack is the place to go. Whether you are hoping for a photo of a mouthwatering smoothie bowl or a cute lifestyle shot, the Shack can cater to both sides of the equation. All the smoothie bowls have a vibrant base colour and are presented with beautiful fresh flowers, sliced fruits and granola; the papaya bowl was made to be photographed! The Shack, a small pit stop off the side of the road, is steps away from the water and surrounded by the lush Hawaiian forest and mountain range in the background.
4. Lanikai Beach
Location: Kailua, HI 96734
White sand, turquoise water and a view of the Mokulau Islands in the distance, Lanikai beach resembles a postcard. It would be nearly impossible to get a bad shot of this amazing beach.
Lani Kai translates to “heavenly ocean,” which is a very fitting name for this magical spot. This beach is gorgeous any time of day, but catching a sunrise or sunset after hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail is beyond surreal!
5. Spitting Cave
Location: Portlock, Southeast Oahu
Tucked away in a residential neighbourhood, Spitting Cave is probably one of the most unique attractions I visited while I was in Honolulu. The rocky cliffs are meant to be photographed and if you’re daring enough, it’s the perfect spot for thrill seekers to cliff dive. The vibrant blue water feels utterly surreal, no filter required for this shot.
Given the idyllic setting, it was hard to narrow the list down to just a few spots, because there so many attractions in Oahu that are worth photographing! This list is a mixture of iconic tourist destinations and blogger favourites, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Happy Instagramming,
Jaemie
